Publication - "Helsinki Policy Forum Discussion Papers: Religious Literacy, Foreign Policy & Diplomacy”.

Today, religious literacy can be important for policy-makers, engaging in difficult and complex challenges. For many people across the world, religious and spiritual values inform the living of their daily lives. However, the political and social sciences, the intellectual backdrop to western diplomacy, have been accused of either ignoring the religious dimension in their approach and analysis of political challenges, or misrepresenting it - only engaging with religious issues through the narrow prism of security,Over several months, Forward Thinking has worked with individuals associated with the Helsinki Policy Forum to respond to this challenge, by drawing upon their experience and insights on this crucial issue to produce a publication that could develop a deeper understanding of the issues of religion and foreign policymaking.We are proud to announce the publication of the first of the Helsinki Policy Forum Discussion Papers, "Religious Literacy, Foreign Policy & Diplomacy” that brings together contributions from different and diverse perspectives from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf to promote new thinking on the importance and nature of religious literacy.The full report can be accessed here: Helsinki Policy Forum Discussion Papers Religious Literacy, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy